Another clear and sunny day with a light southerly breeze and temperatures reaching almost 16 degrees Celsius.
Cabin fever set in here with no-one but a few walkers along the footpath for a second day! A male Cetti's Warbler was swearing near to the Broadwater hide and Chiffchaffs singing in various spots with at least 6 noted. A pair of Stonechats were along the approach track again. More general migratory activity was visible, with a light passage of Meadow Pipits through the dunes. The pines were shedding their cones and seeds attracting mixed flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches. On the grazing marshes slightly reduced numbers of Wigeon and Brent today, with 300 and 150 respectively. A Barn Owl was hunting at the east end of Holme village early morning and a small party of 16 grumbling Pink-feet dropped in on the marsh opposite the Obs during the afternoon. Otherwise it was rather quiet again.
Moth traps produced 4 Hebrew Characters this time so that's one up on yesterday! Brimstone, Peacock and four Small Tortoiseshell was the total for butterflies, and a newt was in the pond.
Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
For all this news, in the field as it happens, subscribe to Rare Bird Alert for as little as 14p per day
Norfolk Black Redstart Cantley beet factory on coal dump viewable from footpath at 8am
Norfolk Black Redstart Cley by beach car park
Norfolk Short-eared Owl y'day Haddiscoe Marsh
Holme Bird Observatory (Header)
This is a polite reminder to all our members that our subscription rates have increased from 1st January. If you pay by standing order and have not yet done so, please amend your standing order to the new rate. More details can be found here.
We are small charity reliant on the generosity of our supporters through membership subscriptions and donations. Why not become a member. For a minimum of £25 you can get all the benefits of being a member of the NOA. Just click the button on the right below. Or, if you would like to support us with a donation, it is very easy to do through our portal at VirginMoneyGiving. Just click the button on the right to go to our dedicated page. Thank you.
COVID Update Monday 17th May 2021
From Monday 17th May 2021 the NOA is pleased to re-open its reserve hides to single households at a time. We will still be advising the wearing of a face covering when in NOA hides. Your continued understanding and support is very much appreciated.
Trial of Booking System for NWT Holme Dunes From Saturday 24th April
Owing to recent visitor numbers, NWT Holme Dunes Reserve is trialling a booking system for its Car Park. Until 6th September 2021 those members and visitors wishing to park in the NWT Car Park will need to book online for Weekends, Bank Holidays, or in School Holidays to ensure they can get a place. Booking is not necessary outside these times, and is not required for access to any other part of the reserve. Parking remains free for NWT members and blue badge holders.
This may affect many of our members, and we would like to clarify that NOA members do not need to book to use the NOA car park at any time between dawn and dusk. For NOA members who also belong to NWT and wish to visit both reserves, please park in the NOA car park if you do not wish to book in advance for the Holme Dunes Reserve Car Park.
